Senator Mike Rush and Representative Paul McMurtry stopped by Town Hall this week to present the Dedham Youth Commission with a check for $75,000 in state earmark funding to purchase a new 12-16 passenger vehicle to serve local students. The DYC’s current van is several years old and can only accommodate six passengers.

Senator Mike Rush (far left) and Representative Paul McMurtry (far right) present a ceremonial check for $75,000 in state earmark funding to Assistant Town Manager Nancy Baker (second from right) and Dedham Youth Commission Director Becky Lavely (second from left) for the purchase of a new Dedham Youth Commission vehicle. (Note: The ceremonial check displays $70,000; the actual funding amount is $75,000).

This funding comes as the DYC settles into its new headquarters at Town Hall. While the DYC offers numerous programs including field trips and after-school activities, the relocation adds a transportation element for the Town to address, and this new vehicle will help to provide safe, reliable transportation for students after school and for other organized outings.

Dedham is fortunate to be served by two local legislators who work collaboratively to advocate on behalf of all our residents and to support Town services with available funding when possible.

“I was proud to work with Representative McMurtry to secure this funding to support the Dedham Youth Commission’s mission to empower and engage young people,” said Senator Mike Rush. “It is a great honor to have such phenomenal partners in service as Representative McMurtry and the Town of Dedham to support local youth programming.”

“I was pleased to join Senator Rush to facilitate a grant that helps the Dedham Youth Commission purchase a passenger van”, said Representative Paul McMurtry. “The van will provide safe and reliable transportation to events and activities, helping to better serve young people in our community.”

Assistant Town Manager Nancy Baker noted the significance of the funding for maintaining essential Town services: “Our Youth Commission has been a vital component to Dedham for decades and serves countless youth and families each year. Investments in our community like this from our partners in the State House help us to better reach and serve our residents by removing transportation barriers that would otherwise exist without these funds.” 

The Town expects to purchase the new van later this month with delivery anticipated for later this Spring/Summer.

Dedham Youth Commission Director Becky Lavely highlighted the direct impact on youth programming: "We are grateful to Senator Rush and Representative McMurtry for this $75,000 investment in our youth. Our current six-passenger van limits participation and forces us to rely on costly bus services for larger groups. This new vehicle will allow us to transport more students safely and comfortably to programs, events, and educational trips, and help us to expand access while ensuring more young people can benefit from what the Youth Commission offers."

For more information about Dedham Youth Commission programs and services, visit www.dedham-ma.gov/youthcommission or contact the DYC at 781-751-9190.